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Weddings

About

Boasting exposed brick walls, distinctive metalwork salvaged from Durham landmarks, a Front Room with ceilings stretching 20 feet high, an outdoor cobblestoned garden and a courtyard, The Cookery's grounds in downtown Durham are the perfect setting for weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, and more.

The Cookery grounds expand over 12,000 sq. ft., and can accommodate seated dinners and wedding ceremonies for up to 330 guests.

Located in the West End neighborhood of Downtown Durham, The Cookery's historic architectural features have a multitude of stories to tell, recounting Durham's rich history and nodding to Bull City's manufacturing and tobacco industrial roots.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

No

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
Glassware
Tables

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

2

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

2

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Banquet Hall
Historic Building

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Bar Services
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Audio Equipment
Chairs
Lighting
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware

What transportation and access is available?

Valet
Wheelchair Access

Reviews of The Cookery

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

The Cookery is highly praised as a perfect wedding venue by couples who had their ceremonies and receptions there. The staff, including individuals like Katie and Virginia, were described as helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly, going above and beyond to ensure a flawless event. Reviewers appreciated the beautiful spaces available for ceremonies and receptions, as well as the bar service and flexibility in customizing drink options. The venue's historic charm and connection to Durham added a magical touch to weddings, making it a highly recommended choice for couples seeking a unique and memorable wedding experience.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

The Cookery is highly praised as a perfect wedding venue by couples who had their ceremonies and receptions there. The staff, including individuals like Katie and Virginia, were described as helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly, going above and beyond to ensure a flawless event. Reviewers appreciated the beautiful spaces available for ceremonies and receptions, as well as the bar service and flexibility in customizing drink options. The venue's historic charm and connection to Durham added a magical touch to weddings, making it a highly recommended choice for couples seeking a unique and memorable wedding experience.

E
8593E525E79E3E3A3685928135C3C9Fc1Ee2Cdcf Sent on 06/24/2018
5 out of 5 rating
My husband and I chose the Cookery for our wedding because of the beautiful atmosphere, flexible event space, great food and bar options, and amazing staff. We could not have been happier with how our event turned out. The Cookery staff helped us plan every detail of our wedding day, were quick to answer any and all questions that we had, and accommodated our special requests and timeline changes. I highly recommend them to anyone planning a special event.

Courtney
Courtney Sent on 01/24/2024
5 out of 5 rating

A Perfect Blend of History and Hospitality

We recently celebrated our wedding at The Cookery, and we couldn't be more thrilled with our choice. From the moment we laid eyes on the historic building with its ties to the city of Durham, we knew it was the perfect setting for our special day. The ambiance created by the venue's historic significance added a touch of magic to our wedding day.

What truly sets The Cookery apart is the exceptional staff. From the initial stages of planning to the big day itself, the staff went above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect. Their warmth and friendliness made us feel like we were among friends, and they extended the same hospitality to our guests. Communication was seamless, and their attention to our needs was commendable.

The flexibility of the multiple spaces within the venue allowed us to create the wedding of our dreams. Our guests were equally enamored with the versatility of the venue, praising its unique charm and inviting atmosphere.

We are grateful to the entire team at The Cookery for their dedication and commitment to making our day truly special. It exceeded our expectations in every way, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to couples seeking a one-of-a-kind wedding experience.
C
Cathy Sent on 09/30/2016
5 out of 5 rating
I cannot imagine a more perfect place for our wedding reception than The Cookery! It was a perfect backdrop for our event and all of our guests were raving about how beautiful it was. Tammy was incredibly helpful through the planning process and we could not have done it without her. She came with us to our appointment for linens and took care of the bar, tables, tent, and valet and was crucial for setting the room layout and timeline. The bartenders were great and drinks delicious! In the Cookery we were able to have the intimate event that we wanted while still having quite a lot of guests. We loved every moment of working with the team there and having our reception at this venue!!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

52
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Emily Katherine Events Emily Katherine Events Wedding Planners

The Cookery is one of my favorite venues in Durham! Julie and Tammy are both so easy to work with during the planning process, and the space itself has so much beautiful aesthetic. I'm always excited when I get to work with couples at The Cookery!

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Map

The Cookery frequently asked questions

The Cookery includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • Glassware
  • Tables
The space offered by The Cookery for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet Hall
  • Historic Building
The Cookery offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
The Cookery offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Engagement Party
  • Rehearsal Dinner
The Cookery offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Bar Services
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
The Cookery offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Audio Equipment
  • Chairs
  • Lighting
  • Tables
The Cookery is recommended by 96% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in average response time, 4.8 in professionalism, 4.8 in value and 4.7 in flexibility.
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